17 May, 509 - It was just a bit before dawn when the knock came at Samuel's door. Not unusually for him, he had woken a few minutes before the reminder. It's not that he distrusted those at the dormitory, rather he was just that kind of person - its why he was happily on the morning shift.
He quietly rose and dressed in his pants, shirt and tabbard. His belt rattled a little against the shelf, and Samuel stole a quick look over his shoulder to make sure his roommate wasn't disturbed. No, he seemed to have a cloak bundled up over his head. Just as well, he didn't hear the knocking either.
Leaving the room, Samuel headed downstairs to the lunch room, and the assignment board. "Another day in the Hall!" he said to nobody in particular. A few in the room glanced up at the sound of this common refrain, but, this early in the day nobody felt like responding.
Grabbing a bowl of porridge and a mug of coffee, Samuel moved over towards the assignment board. Instead of his normal form, he saw a note to see the Watchmaster after he finished eating. Four others were on that same note. "Hm. Maybe something interesting today?" he thought to himself.
After breakfast he walked towards the front room to see the Watchmaster. The woman on-duty was someone he'd not met before. She introduced herself as Sarah, and handed him a stack of pages. "Your assignment is there on the top page. Second sheet is a map of the area you need to handle today. Let me know if you have questions. When you come in, I have a letter you have to sign saying that you swear the posts were placed as requested. This is a Royal Contract, so no messing around, got it?"
"Sure thing, boss."
The packet was twenty-one postings, each identical. They carried all the normal Hall language top and bottom. The content was a proclamation that the structure to which the letter was tacked was to be seized by the Crown in forty-two days time, and that any who wished to protest the action were to make themselves known at the City Center Magistrate's office. "I guess everyone knew this was coming." Samuel thought.
"Hey Boss? Should I manage my normal boards too?"
"Overachiever, huh? Or just looking for the extra pay-out tonight?"
"A bit of both, I guess. What do you say?"
"Well, you're in Mason's and Foreign on a normal day anyhow...I guess you can have a few boards. Take your pick, five of your normal stops."
"Okay, I'll take Barking Fool, Watchtower 4, the dwarven brewery, west side Traveler's bridge, and, um...I guess the Pick & Chisel."
"You got 'em. Now get moving, I don't want to report you delinquent."
"I'm on my way. Hack me on-duty!"
Samuel headed out into the Artisan's Quarter morning. Kessid has many neighborhoods that start early, but this is not one of them. The few people on the street were as likely to be still up from the night before as they were up early to meet the day. Sam had his favored path over to the Foreign Quarter, going through the Mage's Quarter rather than the Mason's Quarter. It took a bit longer, but this way he could check out activity near the Stockade. He'd heard about the Dominian's sailing in with the big ships, and wanted to see what was up.
Heading over the bridge near the Palace, Sam was surprised to not see much unusual activity at all. Usually this time of day the Optio had his Miles pushing dirt in the practice area of the Stockade. He made a mental note to ask around.
His first few addresses were on that small piece of the Foreign Quarter just above City Center. Tacking up the Royal Posts drew a little attention, and he had to explain several times that he knew nothing more than what was on the page. It took him about an hour to get the first four postings up. The next bunch were over near the Pick & Chisel, and further north into the Mason's Quarter, so he decided to make the walk and check the board over there while he was at it. The P&C was always pretty quiet this time of morning, but on a Sunday he knew the proprietor would have a stack of messages outgoing. If he timed this right, he could swing back to the Barking Fool just before the lunch rush.
A few hours later, Sam was back to the Barking Fool, down to only ten more Royal Posts, and with four new in-Kessid messages to deliver for Brock. These were rated 'hand-deliver', which means a nice four silver right into Sam's pocket.
"Hey there Wil! Just picked up some work from Brock across the river! You got anything for me today?"
Standing behind the bar, Wil looks up from his task of wiping out mugs with a rag. "Ah, Sam. I haven't seen you in the Fool in over a week. Work must be busy for you what with everything in town lately. No, I don't think I have any..."
Wil pauses and stares up to the ceiling apparently searching a mental checklist. "In fact, my good messenger, I do have something. Have a seat in the courtyard tables. The air is pleasant today. Your usual breakfast of eggs and a muffin? No, I think not. Today, judging by your posture, I'd say no muffin, instead you'll have the side plate of fruit?"
Without waiting for a response, Wil shouts into the back for "ROSE! Sam Walker is here! Fetch his breakfast number two!"
"After she brings your breakfast, I'll step into the back and return with a package I wish delivered... here in town." Wil nods toward the outdoor tables then turns and heads inside the back rooms of the Barking Fool as the servers bustle about the place.
Sam heads back onto the courtyard, glad to find a shady spot under the hedges away from the high afternoon sun. Resisting the temptation to put his feet up on the other chair (there's only so many times you can smile your way past Wil's displeasure), Sam put his hands behind his head, stretched his back and let out a long sigh.
"This is a pretty good life!" he said, out loud to the world around him.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it!" said a lovely voice, from just over his shoulder.
"Rose, its so great to see you. I hope Wil is treating you well? Remember, if ever you grow bored of him..." Sam said with a smile, playing through the familiar banter.
"Of course he is," Rose answered, laughing. "And, I don't know if I could handle walking around the city for a living. Here's your eggs. And we just got some fresh berries in this morning!" Placing the plate, bowl and a mug on the table, Rose spun around with perhaps a bit more flair than usual, and said over her shoulder, "Enjoy!"
"Thank you Rose!"
On many occasion Sam had asked, well, really he's begged, for someone at the Barking Fool to tell him the secret of their eggs. They are fried in or with something that is just divine, but invisible, and, still a secret. Or maybe its something they're feeding the chickens? Not knowing didn't make them any less good, and Sam dug in with gusto. The mug had a spiced wine, slightly chilled still from its home in the cellar. And the berries, though small, were very sweet. A great second breakfast or early lunch. And, knowing the Barking Fool, would only cost Sam about the value of the package he was going to carry for Wil.
Eggs devoured, Sam leaned back in his chair, bowl of berries in hand, popping them in his mouth one at a time to savor. He started scheming in his head what path to follow to get the rest of the posts up, and check the two remaining boards. "I should probably head right along to the Watchtower, then up Wall Road, circle back around to the Brewery...hmmm."
"What's that Sam?" asked Wil as he stepped into the courtyard, package in-hand.
"Oh nothing, just planning my afternoon circuit. You said that's in-town? Where's it headed?"
"Oh, this?" asked Wil. "This little thing- I'd like it delivered to the Vorakian Armory in if you are headed to Low Town later today."
Wil hands the package over to Sam while eyeing Sam's empty plate. "If it's no trouble, that is. Will seven copper suffice? And will those coins also guarantee that it remains anonymous?" [sooth: 1 silver = 5 copper]
Running the calculations in his head: here to Low Town, should change hands and cost only three copper, but Wil wants me to carry it there, doubling the price. So, by hand to there with no names, say two silver. I'd pocket four copper on the trip, so I really only need six copper to give the Hall. I can bail some of that, and let him talk me to his offer of seven copper at the least. He feeds me well, and his wenches are fun to look at, so I don't mind doing one for cheap once in awhile.
"Wil, they have me on a special today, so going over to Low Town is pushing it. I think I need at least two silver to have it be just me and to keep your name out of it, and to not get handed my hat when I walk into the Hall tonight. Is that too rich for the trouble?"
"I could go that high. I suppose it could be that important." Will seems to be thinking about something in the back of his mind. Unknown to Sam and any potential witnesses, Wil is calculating the cost of the information against the cost of the service against his profit.
Paid one gold, minus the cost of the Lizard Mage's lunch and servant wages, leaves... subtract the fee of delivery of the message... then add the potential income from the investment of the service provided to the Lizard Mage...
"I need no return letter, simply deliver it there. I'll agree to your price, but I will pay you one silver and three copper for your services. After all, your breakfast should be three copper... so with a favoured customer discount, a two copper breakfast instead of three... One silver, three copper. What do you say, Sam?"
"Done! I've just polished off these delicious berries, and need to be on my way. I will carry your package until the end of my rounds, and drop it last thing. This way, it will be less clear where I picked it up, that is, if you don't mind the delayed delivery?"
"Sam, that sounds perfectly fine to me." Wil shakes Sam's hand and follows him to the street gate. Wil lifs his chin toward Sam and tells him, "Safe travels. I shall see you again next week. And this time I'll have hotcakes fo ryou if you arrive before midday. Other wise it will be spiced sausages for lunch." Will claps his hand on Sam's shoulder in a gesture of old comeraderie.
Living the life of a Kessid Board Tender
17 May, 509 - It was just a bit before dawn when the knock came at Samuel's door. Not unusually for him, he had woken a few minutes before the reminder. It's not that he distrusted those at the dormitory, rather he was just that kind of person - its why he was happily on the morning shift.
He quietly rose and dressed in his pants, shirt and tabbard. His belt rattled a little against the shelf, and Samuel stole a quick look over his shoulder to make sure his roommate wasn't disturbed. No, he seemed to have a cloak bundled up over his head. Just as well, he didn't hear the knocking either.
Leaving the room, Samuel headed downstairs to the lunch room, and the assignment board. "Another day in the Hall!" he said to nobody in particular. A few in the room glanced up at the sound of this common refrain, but, this early in the day nobody felt like responding.
Grabbing a bowl of porridge and a mug of coffee, Samuel moved over towards the assignment board. Instead of his normal form, he saw a note to see the Watchmaster after he finished eating. Four others were on that same note. "Hm. Maybe something interesting today?" he thought to himself.
After breakfast he walked towards the front room to see the Watchmaster. The woman on-duty was someone he'd not met before. She introduced herself as Sarah, and handed him a stack of pages. "Your assignment is there on the top page. Second sheet is a map of the area you need to handle today. Let me know if you have questions. When you come in, I have a letter you have to sign saying that you swear the posts were placed as requested. This is a Royal Contract, so no messing around, got it?"
"Sure thing, boss."
The packet was twenty-one postings, each identical. They carried all the normal Hall language top and bottom. The content was a proclamation that the structure to which the letter was tacked was to be seized by the Crown in forty-two days time, and that any who wished to protest the action were to make themselves known at the City Center Magistrate's office. "I guess everyone knew this was coming." Samuel thought.
"Hey Boss? Should I manage my normal boards too?"
"Overachiever, huh? Or just looking for the extra pay-out tonight?"
"A bit of both, I guess. What do you say?"
"Well, you're in Mason's and Foreign on a normal day anyhow...I guess you can have a few boards. Take your pick, five of your normal stops."
"Okay, I'll take Barking Fool, Watchtower 4, the dwarven brewery, west side Traveler's bridge, and, um...I guess the Pick & Chisel."
"You got 'em. Now get moving, I don't want to report you delinquent."
"I'm on my way. Hack me on-duty!"
Samuel headed out into the Artisan's Quarter morning. Kessid has many neighborhoods that start early, but this is not one of them. The few people on the street were as likely to be still up from the night before as they were up early to meet the day. Sam had his favored path over to the Foreign Quarter, going through the Mage's Quarter rather than the Mason's Quarter. It took a bit longer, but this way he could check out activity near the Stockade. He'd heard about the Dominian's sailing in with the big ships, and wanted to see what was up.
Heading over the bridge near the Palace, Sam was surprised to not see much unusual activity at all. Usually this time of day the Optio had his Miles pushing dirt in the practice area of the Stockade. He made a mental note to ask around.
His first few addresses were on that small piece of the Foreign Quarter just above City Center. Tacking up the Royal Posts drew a little attention, and he had to explain several times that he knew nothing more than what was on the page. It took him about an hour to get the first four postings up. The next bunch were over near the Pick & Chisel, and further north into the Mason's Quarter, so he decided to make the walk and check the board over there while he was at it. The P&C was always pretty quiet this time of morning, but on a Sunday he knew the proprietor would have a stack of messages outgoing. If he timed this right, he could swing back to the Barking Fool just before the lunch rush.
A few hours later, Sam was back to the Barking Fool, down to only ten more Royal Posts, and with four new in-Kessid messages to deliver for Brock. These were rated 'hand-deliver', which means a nice four silver right into Sam's pocket.
"Hey there Wil! Just picked up some work from Brock across the river! You got anything for me today?"
Standing behind the bar, Wil looks up from his task of wiping out mugs with a rag. "Ah, Sam. I haven't seen you in the Fool in over a week. Work must be busy for you what with everything in town lately. No, I don't think I have any..."
Wil pauses and stares up to the ceiling apparently searching a mental checklist. "In fact, my good messenger, I do have something. Have a seat in the courtyard tables. The air is pleasant today. Your usual breakfast of eggs and a muffin? No, I think not. Today, judging by your posture, I'd say no muffin, instead you'll have the side plate of fruit?"
Without waiting for a response, Wil shouts into the back for "ROSE! Sam Walker is here! Fetch his breakfast number two!"
"After she brings your breakfast, I'll step into the back and return with a package I wish delivered... here in town." Wil nods toward the outdoor tables then turns and heads inside the back rooms of the Barking Fool as the servers bustle about the place.
Sam heads back onto the courtyard, glad to find a shady spot under the hedges away from the high afternoon sun. Resisting the temptation to put his feet up on the other chair (there's only so many times you can smile your way past Wil's displeasure), Sam put his hands behind his head, stretched his back and let out a long sigh.
"This is a pretty good life!" he said, out loud to the world around him.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it!" said a lovely voice, from just over his shoulder.
"Rose, its so great to see you. I hope Wil is treating you well? Remember, if ever you grow bored of him..." Sam said with a smile, playing through the familiar banter.
"Of course he is," Rose answered, laughing. "And, I don't know if I could handle walking around the city for a living. Here's your eggs. And we just got some fresh berries in this morning!" Placing the plate, bowl and a mug on the table, Rose spun around with perhaps a bit more flair than usual, and said over her shoulder, "Enjoy!"
"Thank you Rose!"
On many occasion Sam had asked, well, really he's begged, for someone at the Barking Fool to tell him the secret of their eggs. They are fried in or with something that is just divine, but invisible, and, still a secret. Or maybe its something they're feeding the chickens? Not knowing didn't make them any less good, and Sam dug in with gusto. The mug had a spiced wine, slightly chilled still from its home in the cellar. And the berries, though small, were very sweet. A great second breakfast or early lunch. And, knowing the Barking Fool, would only cost Sam about the value of the package he was going to carry for Wil.
Eggs devoured, Sam leaned back in his chair, bowl of berries in hand, popping them in his mouth one at a time to savor. He started scheming in his head what path to follow to get the rest of the posts up, and check the two remaining boards. "I should probably head right along to the Watchtower, then up Wall Road, circle back around to the Brewery...hmmm."
"What's that Sam?" asked Wil as he stepped into the courtyard, package in-hand.
"Oh nothing, just planning my afternoon circuit. You said that's in-town? Where's it headed?"
"Oh, this?" asked Wil. "This little thing- I'd like it delivered to the Vorakian Armory in if you are headed to Low Town later today."
Wil hands the package over to Sam while eyeing Sam's empty plate. "If it's no trouble, that is. Will seven copper suffice? And will those coins also guarantee that it remains anonymous?" [sooth: 1 silver = 5 copper]
Running the calculations in his head: here to Low Town, should change hands and cost only three copper, but Wil wants me to carry it there, doubling the price. So, by hand to there with no names, say two silver. I'd pocket four copper on the trip, so I really only need six copper to give the Hall. I can bail some of that, and let him talk me to his offer of seven copper at the least. He feeds me well, and his wenches are fun to look at, so I don't mind doing one for cheap once in awhile.
"Wil, they have me on a special today, so going over to Low Town is pushing it. I think I need at least two silver to have it be just me and to keep your name out of it, and to not get handed my hat when I walk into the Hall tonight. Is that too rich for the trouble?"
"I could go that high. I suppose it could be that important." Will seems to be thinking about something in the back of his mind. Unknown to Sam and any potential witnesses, Wil is calculating the cost of the information against the cost of the service against his profit.
Paid one gold, minus the cost of the Lizard Mage's lunch and servant wages, leaves... subtract the fee of delivery of the message... then add the potential income from the investment of the service provided to the Lizard Mage...
"I need no return letter, simply deliver it there. I'll agree to your price, but I will pay you one silver and three copper for your services. After all, your breakfast should be three copper... so with a favoured customer discount, a two copper breakfast instead of three... One silver, three copper. What do you say, Sam?"
"Done! I've just polished off these delicious berries, and need to be on my way. I will carry your package until the end of my rounds, and drop it last thing. This way, it will be less clear where I picked it up, that is, if you don't mind the delayed delivery?"
"Sam, that sounds perfectly fine to me." Wil shakes Sam's hand and follows him to the street gate. Wil lifs his chin toward Sam and tells him, "Safe travels. I shall see you again next week. And this time I'll have hotcakes fo ryou if you arrive before midday. Other wise it will be spiced sausages for lunch." Will claps his hand on Sam's shoulder in a gesture of old comeraderie.